The Milford Road at a glance
The Milford Road (State Highway 94) leaves Te Anau and climbs through the Eglinton Valley to the Homer Tunnel before it drops to the fiord. Milford Sound Tourism gives 120 km from Te Anau and at least 2 hours of pure driving. A road map from the same operator advises 3 hours, which includes parking and the walk to the boat.
Weather decides whether the road is open. Before you leave, check the current state on the NZ Transport Agency status page. This guide shows past closures to explain the risk, not today's status.
Before you drive
The basics that catch visitors out.
Fuel, food and water
Fill the tank in Te Anau and carry water and snacks. You cannot count on a petrol station at the other end.
Phone signal
Coverage along the road is limited. Download directions and tell someone your plan.
Booked boat or flight
If you hold a boat ticket, allow time for the road, parking and the walk to the terminal. Check the cruise guide for check-in and parking costs. Self-drive and cruise offers still exist.
Milford Sound tours from Te Anau and Queenstown
Coach and cruise days, so you do not have to drive the Milford Road yourself, with live prices and availability.
Homer Tunnel and traffic lights
The Homer Tunnel is about 1.2 km long. The operator's map says traffic lights control it at peak times. No fixed light cycle for 2026 is published, so do not plan around one. A 2021 report for NZTA described waits of up to 20 minutes with one-way operation, which is an old figure and not a current timetable.
In winter the Department of Conservation (DOC) advises you to check road conditions, and snow chains may be required. Milford Sound Tourism recommends chains from May to September. That is advice, not a rule for every day. Carry chains and know how to fit them before the tunnel approach.
Stops on the Milford Road
From south to north, with the times the Department of Conservation publishes.
| Stop | What it is | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Mirror Lakes | 400 m return walk, suitable for wheelchairs, about 56 km from Te Anau | About 10 min |
| Lake Gunn Nature Walk | 1.4 km loop from Cascade Creek in beech forest | 45 min |
| Key Summit | 6.8 km return from The Divide along the Routeburn Track | About 3 h |
| The Chasm | Shortened walk to the Cleddau River bank | – |
| Milford Foreshore Walk | Walk along the foreshore at Milford, where DOC advises sandfly repellent | – |
Dogs are not allowed on the Mirror Lakes walk.
Key Summit and The Chasm
Key Summit is a walk of about 3 hours, not a quick photo stop. Stay on the track because the alpine vegetation is fragile. It starts at The Divide.
The Chasm is only partly open. DOC describes access to the Cleddau River bank but no crossing, because the original bridges were destroyed. A contract for a new bridge, platform and paths was awarded on 20 February 2026 with a four-month term. That is not a confirmed reopening, so check DOC for the current state before you plan the stop.
Closures and how to check them
Past events show how fast conditions change.
August 2026
NZTA recorded an avalanche closure between Lower Hollyford Road and the Donne River on 26 and 27 August. The road opened for a time on 28 August, closed again from 4:30 p.m. and was closed again on 30 August.
September 2025
NZTA closed the road between the Hollyford Road junction and the Donne River Bridge from 5 p.m. on 10 September 2025 because of snow.
What to do
These are past events, not today's status. Check the NZTA Milford Road page before you leave and again on the morning of travel. If your tour operator cancels because of a closure, refunds and rebooking depend on the operator's terms.
Plan the rest of your trip
What connects to the road.
Te Anau
The lakeside town where the Milford Road begins.
Milford Sound cruises
Operators, times and parking at the end of the road.
The Milford Track
The Great Walk that ends near the fiord.
If your drive continues beyond Fiordland, see the route to Aoraki Mount Cook and the guide to reaching Franz Josef.
The Milford Road: frequently asked questions
How long does it take to drive from Te Anau to Milford Sound?
The distance is 120 km and the pure driving time at least 2 hours. With stops, parking and the walk to the terminal, plan for 3 hours or more.
Is there petrol on the Milford Road?
No shops or petrol stations lie between Te Anau and Milford. Fill up in Te Anau and carry water and snacks.
Do I need snow chains?
In winter and spring, chains may be required. Milford Sound Tourism recommends them for May to September. The rule is not the same every day, so check the road status before you go.
How long is the wait at the Homer Tunnel?
Traffic lights control the tunnel at peak times. A 2021 report mentioned waits up to 20 minutes. No fixed 2026 cycle is published, so allow extra time.
Is The Chasm open?
Only a shortened walk to the river bank is open. The bridges were destroyed, and a rebuild contract was awarded in February 2026 without a confirmed reopening date.
Can I drive the Milford Road without a tour?
Yes. Self-drive offers still exist. A tour avoids the drive and the parking, but a car gives you time at the stops.